Southwark Council - The Southwark Scholarship Scheme

The Southwark Scholarship Scheme

Under this programme, your full university tuition fees for your bachelor’s degree will be covered, regardless of the cost of study or the duration of your course. This means you can focus entirely on your studies without having to pay any tuition fees. The programme is run by the Southwark Education Business Alliance on behalf of Southwark Council in London, which has already supported 100 students since 2011. Only a small number of scholarships are awarded each year.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You have been living in the London borough of Southwark for at least 3 years.
• Age: You are under 25.
• Household income: Your household’s total annual income is less than £32,300, and you can provide evidence of this.
• Right to stay: You hold a permanent residence permit for the United Kingdom (permanent residence status).
• First time at university: You are starting your first degree.
• University place: You have received an offer from UCAS to start your degree in the autumn.
• Field of study: Any recognised bachelor’s degree will be taken into account.
• Grades: You have a strong academic record.
• Community involvement: You can demonstrate that you have been actively involved in the Southwark community and would like to continue contributing after you graduate.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via an online form on the EBA website. The application period begins on 1 April and ends at midnight on 2 June. You must write a personal statement in which you outline your community involvement, your reasons for studying and the contribution you plan to make in the future. Texts generated by AI will not be accepted. You must also provide the details of two referees – one for your academic work and one for your social engagement; neither may be a relative. Please also enclose proof of your household income.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is very strictly defined. According to 25, you must have been a long-term resident of Southwark, come from a low-income household and be starting your first degree – so the group of eligible applicants is small. What sets applicants apart is genuine, documented voluntary work, not just their grades. If you clearly meet the residence and income criteria and can demonstrate genuine voluntary work, your chances are good; however, only a few places are awarded each year.